Saw Franchise Returns to Its Creators: Blumhouse Acquires Rights, James Wan and Leigh Whannell Back

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The game is still very much in progress. Notably, Blumhouse Productions has secured the rights to the Saw franchise, as confirmed by Fangoria. This move signifies a significant change of direction for the series, and it’s a return to roots for its original architects, James Wan and Leigh Whannell.

A Strategic Merger Returns Saw to Its Creators

After Blumhouse combined with Wan’s Atomic Monster, the creators of the Saw franchise are returning for the first time in years. Although Lionsgate still owns a share of the property and will keep managing distribution, it seems that most creative control has shifted towards Blumhouse and Atomic Monster. Content Partners have also acquired a portion of the current library, and Mark Burg remains a producer with a part ownership as well.

In 2023, viewing X rekindled fan excitement. However, the continuation of the series has been uncertain. Originally, a sequel titled Saw XI was scheduled for release in September 2025; however, Bloody Disgusting announced in March 2025 that the movie had been secretly postponed. A production insider revealed that disagreements among producers started as early as January 2024, and Lionsgate allegedly couldn’t resolve the conflict, causing development to halt and leaving fans uncertain about what was happening.

Now, the franchise appears poised for a fresh start.

Wan Promises a Return to the “Original Spirit”

The Saw franchise holds a sentimental value for me – it’s where Leigh and I embarked on our Hollywood adventure,” Wan expressed in a statement. “Returning to this universe with a new perspective is exciting and deeply personal… I can’t wait to honor the original essence while also advancing its legacy in innovative, surprising manners.

The essence of this phenomenon can be traced back to 2004, when the movie “Saw” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and sparked a wave of gritty, innovative horror that defined its era. It not only paved the way for a billion-dollar franchise and an annual Halloween tradition, but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. Despite fluctuations in tone and critical appraisal over time, the cultural influence of the “Saw” series is undeniable. The character Jigsaw remains one of horror’s most enduring icons.

The comeback of the franchise under Wan and Whannell hints at a possible change in style and composition. Blumhouse Productions is renowned for its emphasis on cost-effective productions, artistic liberty, and concise storytelling. Their approach has resulted in successful films such as “The Invisible Man”, “Paranormal Activity”, and “The Black Phone”. By taking on the “Saw” series, they acquire a property with an established fanbase, a well-known title, and an opportunity to modernize a horror legend for today’s audience.

Longtime Producers Step Away

Mark Burg, who helped finance the first film, confirmed he’s stepping away after two decades.

Following the sad demise of our cherished executive producer, Jason Constantine, I feel it’s now time for me to embark on new narrative journeys,” he expressed, further extending heartfelt gratitude to the cast, crew, and Lionsgate executives who sustained the series for a decade across ten films.

fellow producer, Oren Koules, also shared this viewpoint: “It’s truly significant that the franchise is back in the hands of its original makers… I don’t believe there could be a more suitable collaborator than Jason to guide Saw through its upcoming phase.

At present, it’s undecided if Blumhouse intends to reboot Saw XI or take the series in an entirely new path. Regardless, the storyline persists, and this chapter is once again under the control of those who originally created it.

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2025-06-27 15:55